Man arrested in Gary shooting death of mother of 6, killed by stray bullet​on January 29, 2025 at 9:56 am

GARY, Ind. (WLS) — An arrest has been made in the shooting death of a mother of six in Gary, officials announced Tuesday.

Kia Tidwell’s family says while this brings them closure, nothing can make up for the loss of a beloved daughter, sister and mother who worked tirelessly to stop the violence that killed her.

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Kia’s family stood alongside Gary city and police officials as they announced an arrest and charges in her murder.

“I didn’t think it would come so soon, but I’m glad the community came together in this case,” said Charlotta Tidwell Ford, Kia’s sister. “It was bittersweet. I was happy, but I was sad.”

Gary police say 20-year-old Tedric Guy Jr. was arrested Monday and is now facing multiple felony charges, including murder.

Gary police gave an update on a deadly shooting Tuesday.

Investigators say it was the public who led them to their suspect.

“Five months ago, we were sitting right here or standing in this same spot in this case and were petitioning the public to come forward with tips, and I’m here to announce the public did,” said Gary Police Chief Derrick Canon.

Gary police say the 42-year-old mother of six was on her way home to Portage when she was struck and killed by stray bullet. This happened last September near 5th Avenue and Grant Street, by a McDonald’s.

“She just left my house, just got done talking to her and then we got the call what had took place,” said James Tidwell, Kia’s father.

Kia’s family says she was crusader for her community, killed by the violence she worked tirelessly to prevent.

“She always tried to help her community, help the young people so they wouldn’t resolve to this kind of violence – the violence that took her life,” Charlotta said.

According to court documents, the suspect was allegedly targeting a group of people in an orange Dodge Charger at the McDonald’s drive thru.

Gary police previously said the shooting took place with officers already on the scene.

Investigators linked the suspect to Kia’s murder through multiple forms of evidence.

“We also used shell case analysis in this case, and multiple warrants were served on locations, vehicles and other evidence, including social media,” Canon said.

The Tidwell family is calling for an increased police presence in Gary as they try to continue the work Kia dedicated her life to.

Meanwhile, the suspect will have his first court appearance this week.